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NATO Special Forces Train in Finland Near Russia as Alliance Sharpens Northern Defenses
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![Photo of Ivan Khomenko]( "Photo of Ivan Khomenko")
Finland has launched a major multinational special operations exercise involving nearly 1,600 troops from NATO countries, including the United States and several European allies. The drills, named Southern Griffin 25, commenced on August 25 and will run until September 12.
They are being conducted under the leadership of Finland’s Utti Jaeger Regiment and span a wide range of environments—land, air, sea, and inland waterways—across the country.
According to Army Recognition on August 25, the exercise focuses on enhancing NATO’s joint operational readiness in the challenging terrain of Northern Europe. The Finnish Defense Forces stated that the event is designed to strengthen interoperability and rapid deployment capabilities amid growing security concerns along NATO’s eastern flank.
The exercise features NH90 transport helicopters and MD500 light helicopters from the Utti Jaeger Regiment, supported by Finnish Air Force F/A-18 Hornet fighter jets. Additional aircraft and personnel have been provided by partner nations.
Activities include troop transport, air-ground coordination, and long-range deployment drills across Finland’s varied geography, from southern forests to northern latitudes.
Colonel Kimmo Nordberg, commander of the Utti Jaeger Regiment and director of the exercise, noted that the joint and wide-ranging nature of the drills adds complexity and valuable experience in command and control structures.
The exercise integrates Finnish military and civilian agencies, reflecting the country’s comprehensive approach to national and allied defense.
The timing of Southern Griffin 25 comes ahead of Russia’s Zapad 2025 military exercise, expected to include large-scale operations in Belarus and western Russia.
Finland’s exercise serves as a counterpoint, focusing on NATO’s ability to conduct rapid reinforcement and special operations near the northwestern military district of Russia. Its proximity to recently reactivated Russian bases and Arctic regions emphasizes its strategic relevance.
By hosting and coordinating the movement of multinational forces on its territory, Finland demonstrates its readiness as a NATO frontline state. The drills also reinforce NATO’s posture in the Baltic and Arctic, where increased militarization and climate-related changes are altering the strategic landscape.
Earlier in 2025, Finland announced plans to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention banning anti-personnel mines, citing defense needs amid regional tensions. According to Prime Minister Petteri Orpo and Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen, the move has broad support among military officials and lawmakers. Finland also aims to boost defense spending to 3% of GDP by 2029 and reform its land forces.
